Especially when the insurance paid for it, contractors don't cut corners.We have probably several water issues every year across the portfolio.

It’s also worth connecting with a property manager and contractor early, even if you don’t need them right away.

I then hired contractors for plumbing, electrical, roofing, and HVAC upgrades.

I haven’t done my first deal yet, but through hiring a local contractor to build my personal residence I had this idea that I don’t hear people talking about.

One of the biggest factors in successful flips is building a strong team: contractors, agents, lenders, and property managers. 

I would look at this venture as some type of vocation (I.e. plumbing, electrician, framer).

my condolences on your recent lost.there are a few ways you can do this, as mentioned above you can take a heloc on your primary residence which will give you a second mortgage, first mortgage payment wont be impacted. you can do cash out refinance which will give you one mortgage and payment. it will pay the old mortgage and give you money in your pocket to pay for the rehab.or you can do a renovation refinance which is similar to cash out refinance but we would contractor involved  as part of the refinancing and they are paid through the loan

However, if you clearly communicated a $15K budget, I’d stick to that and ask them to discuss the overages with the contractor to find a resolution.As a side note, always try to maintain reserves for your properties.

If you’re set on a duplex with minimal rehab, an investor focused agent should have a strong network of contractors who can give you quick quotes, so you don’t wind up with any pricey surprises.

I would definitely talk to a contractor to understand what your build costs would look like.